Lulu sat on her bed, silent for a long while. Irene waited quietly without urging her, until Lulu suddenly said, "Zachary and I had a fight."Irene was left stunned for seconds, before asking in disbelief, "You two fought? Why?""His mother promised that she'd agree to our relationship if Zachary returned to his family business and claimed leadership, right? He did, but his mother now insisted that I must give up on my career to be a full-time housewife if we are to get married. She said that I'm supposed to care for and support Zachary, but I don't want to give up on my job.""Well, what did Zachary say?" Irene asked.Lulu scowled at the mention of Zachary. "He said that he gave up his preferred career for my sake, and asked me why I can't sacrifice mine for him. But is our relationship only sustained by our sacrifices?" Lulu certainly knew that she should sacrifice a little for him after what he did, but said, "Look, Irene. I can make it up to him in any other way, but I woul
Lulu appeared helpless."Look, I didn't tell you before, but the fight we had was really bad. He's really angry, and he's definitely on his mother's side about having me resign. I feel like he really wants me to be his full-time wife… but this is the one choice that matters, isn't it? Either I give up my career to be with him, or keep my career and give up on him. Can't bake your cake and eat it."Irene did not know what to say. "Well, you have no family here and no place to stay, so you can stay here in my room."Lulu smiled. "Thank goodness I have you.""The feeling's mutual." Irene smiled back. "I won't know what to do with myself in Sunny City otherwise… How about a little drink? It'll help you sleep.""No thanks." Lulu shook her head—alcohol would only ease their frustration for a moment, but would not resolve the issue."Go home, Irene—you have a family now, so you shouldn't stay out the entire night. I need time alone to think about what I should do anyway.""Okay," Irene
Irene was startled by his sudden move, and she shoved at his foot in the next instant. "What are you doing?! Get off me—I'd get the ointment all over you."Isaac reached out and took the swab out of her hands, throwing it on the table before pinning her down under himself.Irene turned, not to struggle but to find a comfortable position.Clang!A loud noise suddenly echoed from the living room."What was that?!" Irene tensed up immediately, while Isaac frowned—seemingly unhappy with the sudden noise.Irene was still looking at him. "Is there someone in the living room?"Isaac breathed a feeble sigh just then."Is that Zachary?"It was a question, but she basically knew the answer. "He's drunk," Isaac explained.He could not leave him outside by himself, so he brought him home.That was when they heard a grating voice as if a table was pushed along the floor, and then something dropped and shattered loudly, followed by a scream.Irene quickly tightened up her loose dress a
It was not going to be a typical day, as Light Group was prepared to invest their first batch of capital in Eastdawn!The initial investment was 80 million—an amount that Light Group could still afford at the moment.After the transfer, Ian Jefferson and James Cross shook hands. "Here's to a beautiful partnership. Let's take our respective companies to new heights—may your component be unveiled to the world soon."James chuckled. "For sure. Once it hits the market, you shall be the biggest winner!"Ian laughed heartily—certainly, with Eastdawn's development already in the final stage and the money-burning phases now almost over, investing in them now was basically getting a cut of the profits for free!There was no question he had won big here.James sighed in front of him just then. "Well, things are going to get awkward with my old friends now that we chose you."Ian smiled and patted him on the back. "I'll be your friend from now on.""Indeed." James was watching him with
Feeling humiliated just then, Ian snapped, "What do you think you're doing, Dad?!"Having an affair at his age?Quincy would flip out if she knew!In fact, Ian himself was already losing his mind! Still, he worked hard to cool his temper and stopped himself from getting in the car to drag the woman out. "Tell her to get out of your car right now!"Kathy York was startled right then, and promptly threw herself into Greg's arms.Greg naturally felt protective seeing that his sweetheart was frightened, and shot his son a glare, "Don't think you can order me around just because you became CEO of Light Group. I'm still your father—and you don't ever get to talk to me like that!"With that, he shut the door in Ian's face and snapped at his chauffeur to drive, leaving Ian shaking with rage.Robin walked up to him gingerly, and tried to assure him, "Maybe it's not what you think…""What, does it only count if I catch them in bed?!" Ian was wheezing, feeling down in the dumps just the
James told him, "200 millions."Ian's lips twitched, and he really wanted to curse right then. That was a lot of money.James then added, "I know it's just pocket change to Light Group."Ian was speechless—the Light Group of the present actually did not have that much money. They had already emptied their coffers for that last 80 million dollar injection!Nonetheless, he could not afford to tell James that he did not have the money for appearance's sake. There would be more trouble if he did, and word of that somehow reached Light Group's board members. "Give me some time."He had an idea—there were several Light Group projects that were still underway, and he could divert the capital from those projects to Eastdawn.He certainly had no intention of giving up halfway on Eastdawn since this was his first project. Moreover, they had an agreement, and the second injection was basically agreed upon.Hence, he began to make the calls to sell off their projects.Fortunately, they
"Sorry." James quickly apologized, and when he looked up to see that it was Irene, he quickly greeted her, "Oh—hello, Mrs. Jefferson." Irene was left confused, since she had no idea who he was. How did he know who she was, even addressing her as 'Mrs. Jefferson'?He seemed older than her, too…"And you are…?""James Cross," he replied. "I've been stationed overseas before this, and just returned to the country."He was an unfamiliar face—in fact, Isaac had asked him to return because not many would recognize him.He had been working at the Remy headquarters in Franconia since its founding, and actually outranked Stan. Naturally, he was superior to Stan in ability as well, or Isaac would not have left him in charge of the Remy headquarters."I was just having a short discussion with Mr. Jefferson, but I will get going now," Remy added, unsure if Irene understood.All Irene knew was that it was business, and that he was just one of Isaac's key helpers whom he was acquainted
Even so, Greg remained composed. "I'm just playing around…""Playing around?" Quincy's face paled further. "Maybe I should play around with other men, too!"Greg glowered. "That's out of line. You just hit me but I did nothing. Did you think you could just slap a man like that?"Quincy dropped to crouch just then, and she began to bawl hysterically.She was out of line? Pain, anguish and spite was overwhelming her—she wanted nothing less than to pick up a knife and shank Greg right then!On the other hand, Greg's patience was already gone.Moreover, Quincy looked horrid when she was in his face, and now that she was sobbing, he watched her while feeling no sympathy, but just cool disgust instead.Having no mood to coax her and knowing that it would not go well anyway, Greg simply let reality sink into her. "Still crying at your age? Aren't you worried Ian would see you like this when he comes home? Also, you don't have to worry—I still want you and this family. I'll be back wh
Soon after the wedding, Mr. Fowler proposed for Stan to work at his company to get used to the work over there.He was worried as he did not have much time left, and it would not do if he was gone before the proper arrangements were made.Still, Stan returned to Franconia with Isaac and his family, sorting out things at work and finishing every task he had on hand.While Isaac used to have a lot of free time with Stan around, he was just slightly busier after Stan left. After all, no company should operate in a way that losing a single person would stall all their operations.And after a week, Stan sorted out all the remaining tasks he had in Franconia and returned to Zidonia to start work at the Fowlers' family business.While Stan had property in Zidonia too, he moved into the Fowlers' mansion, but not as a live-in son-in-law. He was simply aware of Mr. Fowler's illness, and Rea wanted to spend more time with her parents.And as the son-in-law, he was obliged to do that much.
Despite feeling wistful, Mr. Fowler eventually passed Rea's hand to Stan. "I hope you will both cherish each other from now on."Rea told him, "We will."Thereafter, it was the usual proceedings of a wedding, with exchange of rings and vows, the wedding speech, and the luncheon!Though everything went smoothly, Mrs. Fowler could not help shedding tears.She was pleased that her daughter was finally getting married, especially since she was looking forward to this.But now that Rea really did marry, she was worried that her life might get difficult and unhappy.Such was the worrisome nature of mothers.-Later, Stan led Rea to Isaac's table.They were all acquainted, but Stan introduced everyone once again to reacquaint them with Rea.After all, she was no longer Zachary's friend's cousin now, but Stan's wife.Erin was grinning from ear to ear. "Congratulations.""Thank you." Rea smiled in return."Congrats," Baby said, imitating the adults.Rea reached out to stroke his c
Zachary said, "I heard you sealed the deal with Rea Fowler, and her family is preparing for your wedding."Stan smiled. "I'm the look of success—getting a girl couldn't be simpler. See? I'm getting married already.""Well, I guess we're all taken now," Erin said.Tommy poked his head up just then. "Congratulations, Uncle Stan.""Thank you." Stan chuckled, patting his head."Also, I heard that you're marrying into the Fowler family?" Zachary asked.Everyone turned to stare at Stan in shock, but it was understandable.Stan was not that modest that he would have to go that far—he had money and was successful enough to afford a wife.Still, Zachary—who knew the Fowlers—suggested, "To be fair, they do need someone to take care of the family business…"-Either way, it meant that Irene's family would be delaying their return trip to Franconia.After all, none of them had expected to attend Stan's wedding so soon after Zachary's.Stan himself did not expect that either, as he had
"What's the problem? We've already slept together," Rea said as she put her clothes on.She frowned as Stan was still on the bed and not moving. "What, are you going to stay in my bed forever?""What am I supposed to wear?" Stan shrugged. "You haven't brought my clothes here.""I'll get it for you."Rea remembered his suitcase then and hurried downstairs to bring it up."Wear whatever you like. I'll be waiting downstairs," she said and hurried away.Stan got out of bed and put on a suit—it was only right to dress formally when it came to discussing marriage.After cleaning up and heading downstairs, he found Rea sandwiched by her parents.Stan had no idea if she had already mentioned it, but both Mr. and Mrs. Fowler were both staring at him, leaving him further tense.Clearing his throat, Stan began, "Excuse me, but—""Yes, we agree to you marrying our daughter.""You mean marrying into our family," Rea corrected them.Everyone else was staring at her before asking all at o
If Rea asked her parents now, they would only get sad, and life would become difficult for everyoneWhat should she do to make them happy?Right, she could get married! Her parents would definitely be pleased. As for the choice of bridegroom, did she not have one readily available here?If Stan could pretend to be her boyfriend, he could definitely be her husband too.They could fake their marriage if they had to!Putting the medical file back where she found it, she wobbled up to her feet and left the room.Stan had yet to step out of the bathroom when she returned, so she sat on the bed and waited.After a while, Stan stepped out with a towel around his waist and paused when he saw Rea sitting there. "Where are my clothes?" He asked, presuming that Rea had forgotten since there was nothing on the bed or the table. "My suitcase is still in your car trunk."Rea turned toward him. "Let's get married."Stan was left speechless for a moment and soon chuckled, "Did you forge
Mrs. Fowler smacked her daughter, but while Rea thought she was angry, she said instead, "Just do your best."Rea's mind was blown—were her parents bewitched? They were completely different from before! A long time ago, her parents had used to tell her that she did not have to marry as long as she was happy.But later on, they had persistently sent her on blind dates… and now, they were telling her to seduce a man?Touching her mother's forehead, Rea asked, "Are you sick?"Mrs. Fowler slapped her hand off. "Your dad and I are leaving now.""Yeah." Mr. Fowler nodded. "The chauffeur is waiting."Rea walked them to the door and watched as their car left before returning inside.She did not go upstairs since Stan was asleep, and she would be bored—she was the type who just could not sit still.However, it was inappropriate if she left since that would leave nobody home.In her boredom, she thought of pranking Stan. She headed upstairs to find him asleep, and soundly at that.Ca
Unable to argue against her parents, Rea said, "Fine, fine. Whatever you say."Mrs. Fowler smiled. "Then help Stan upstairs to get some rest.""Which room?" Rea asked.Mrs. Fowler realized with a start and quickly said, "Oh, there's no bedding in the guest room… So let him stay in your room."Rea was left staring at her in shock. "When did you get so open-minded? Letting a man stay in your daughter's room?"Mrs. Fowler shrugged. "What can he do when he's drunk?""Haven't you heard of drunken fumbles?" Rea asked.Both Mr. and Mrs. Fowler shook their heads at the same time. "Nope."Rea was left totally speechless—this was just outrageous!She would think that Stan was actually their son, if it was not for the fact that they were not acquainted before.They were not like this before either—even if they were urging her to get married, they were not throwing her at a man like this!Mr. Fowler then said, "If anything happens, we'll demand that he takes responsibility and marries y
"I get it," Stan replied quietly. "I wouldn't have been upset even if you didn't explain yourself. But since you did, I forgive you."Rea's brow creased as she pursed her lips. "See? I knew it. We really shouldn't be too nice to you."While Stan was speechless, Mrs. Fowler was enthusiastically putting food on Stan's plate. "This is our family's favorite dish. Try it."Stan nodded after a bite. "It's good."Mrs. Fowler smiled, while Mr. Fowler poured him a glass of wine. "Can you hold your liquor?"Stan smiled. "More or less.""You're being humble now." Mr. Fowler smiled at him. "You're definitely a good drinker.""A little."Rea had enough right then. "Dad, Stan has work to do, and he has to return to Franconia tomorrow. You're going to make things difficult for him."Mr. Fowler smiled awkwardly. "Right…" "You think?" Rea huffed, snatching his wine away. "Everyone only gets to have one glass."Mr. Fowler glared at Rea. "Party pooper."Rea shrugged. "I'm doing this for your
Rea turned her head aside. "Then what's your hobby?"Stan did a double take and remembered his life… which was work and more work.It had been years since he took leave, and he would not get to goof off the last few days if it had not been for Zachary's wedding.Hobby? He certainly did not have anything like that.Now that he thought about it, his life was boring and monotonous, and he did not have anyone very close.That was why he wanted a kind, understanding wife to care and offer him company while he took care of her needs.When he looked up at Rea, he clearly felt that she was not for him—he needed someone to take care of him, but with her, he would be busy taking care of her instead."You're looking at me weirdly," Rea suddenly said."How so?" Stan asked.Rea moved closer, looking him in the eyes and asking solemnly, "Don't tell me—you've fallen for me?""You don't just suffer from a flawed personality—you're narcissistic too."Stan pursed his lips and checked the tim